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UN agrees DR Congo troop increase UN agrees DR Congo troop increase
(10 minutes later)
The United Nations Security Council has voted to send 3,000 more troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo following renewed fighting in the country's east.The United Nations Security Council has voted to send 3,000 more troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo following renewed fighting in the country's east.
The increase means the peacekeeping mission, Monuc, will have about 20,000 troops and police on the ground - the biggest UN force of its kind.The increase means the peacekeeping mission, Monuc, will have about 20,000 troops and police on the ground - the biggest UN force of its kind.
Clashes between the army and rebels led by Gen Laurent Nkunda have created a humanitarian crisis in the region. But correspondents say diplomats admit they do not know where the troops will come from, or when they will be sent.
The rebels withdrew from some positions on Wednesday to let aid into the area. Clashes between the army and rebels have created a humanitarian crisis.
The withdrawal on two fronts north of the city of Goma followed several weeks of fierce fighting, and came after weekend talks with the UN envoy, Olusegun Obasanjo. An estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in recent months.
An estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence. The rebels led by Gen Laurent Nkunda withdrew from positions north of the city of Goma on Wednesday to allow aid into the area. name="text"> class="bodl" href="#infographic">See detailed map of the area
The withdrawal followed several weeks of fierce fighting, and came after weekend talks with the UN envoy, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The BBC's Laura Trevelyan at the UN says the Security Council, which first received the request for reinforcements six weeks ago, voted unanimously to send 2,785 more troops and 300 police officers.
Our correspondent says Monuc has been criticised for not doing enough to protect people from Tutsi rebels while the army was in retreat.
The security council voted for the peacekeepers to implement their mandate "in full", through robust rules of engagement.
Our correspondent says this is supposed to make clear to commanders on the ground that they can use all means necessary to protect the local population.
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